Worcester ‘career criminals’ facing 28 charges

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Two men prosecutors are calling career criminals pleaded not guilty Monday to nearly 30 charges after State Police discovered a large-capacity, unlicensed gun in their possession.

Gilbert Morin, 28, of Worcester, is facing 14 charges that include being an armed career criminal, possession of an unregistered firearm, and resisting arrest, according to a statement from State Police.

He has faced criminal charges in Worcester Superior Court more than 10 times since 2005 for crimes that include drug possession with intent to distribute and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon, according to court records.

Rabbi Lavarin, 31, also of Worcester, is also facing 14 charges that include being an armed career criminal, possession of a large-capacity firearm, and a firearm violation with three prior violent drug crimes, State Police said.

He has been to court three times for crimes that include breaking and entering into a boat with intent to commit a felony and carrying a dangerous weapon, according to court records.

State Police pulled over Lavarin’s white Cadillac Seville at the intersection of Belmont and Edward streets in Worcester for motor vehicle violations at about 3 a.m. Friday, the statement said.

After identifying Lavarin and his passenger, Morin, troopers searched the car and uncovered a large-capacity Taurus 9mm firearm and a magazine containing 13 rounds of ammunition.

Neither suspect was carrying a license for the weapon, and they were arrested.

During their arraignment in Worcester District Court Monday, Morin’s bail was revoked in a previous case. He is being held on $10,000 cash bail on the most recent charges, said Timothy Connolly, a spokesman for the Worcester district attorney.

Lavarin is being held on $250 cash bail.

Both men are to return to court on April 9 for a pretrial conference, said Connolly.